Planning a naming ceremony is a very special time, and preparations often begin before the baby is born or in the case of adoption, brought home.  Planning should be fun and stress free.  Here are some ideas to help you plan your special ceremony.

Keep a ceremony diary: If you come across a reading or poem that you would like at your child’s ceremony, jot it down or bookmark the link.  When friends or family have naming ceremonies or other religious rituals like a christenings, make a note of little touches that you felt were special or meaningful.

Choose a venue: The wonderful thing about a naming ceremony is you can celebrant in any location!  If you choose to have the naming ceremony soon after the baby is born, it can be in the comfort of your own home.  This also allows you to limit the guest list, if you so choose.  Most hotels have smaller event rooms that can provide the intimate space needed for a naming ceremony.  Incorporating a ceremony with a summer picnic is a great option if lots of children are attending.  Equally, holding a Christmas naming ceremony when family and friends may be home from abroad is another great option.

Choose the life mentors/god parents: It’s a big honour to be chosen as the guardian/godparent/life mentor of a child, and never underestimate how special someone will feel when you ask them to take on this special role. It’s a good idea to make a note in your ceremony diary of why you have chosen them.  This is not only helpful for the celebrant to include in your ceremony, but also for the guardian/god parent/life mentor themselves.  It lets them know why you feel they are the right person to be there for your child.  Usually there are two guardians/life mentors/godparent’s.  If a child is being christened and having a naming ceremony, two people might stand for the child at both ceremonies, or there might be two godparents and two life mentors, it is completely up to you. 

Ceremony Elements: A ceremony element is a another way to seal the bonds between family and friend attending the naming of your child.  There are so many different types to choose from.  A unity ceremony can include just the parents and child or all the guests!  Have a look at the ceremony menu page for some ideas.   Or spend some time on developing your own unique unity ceremony.  When you meet with your celebrant, bring your ceremony diary with you.  It will be a great help to ensure your ceremony is filled with personal choices and elements that have special meaning to you.

When you do start planning your child’s naming ceremony, please get in touch, as I would love to work with you to create your very special day.

hello@thecivilcelebrant.ie